Angkor Watt is Cambodia’s beloved masterpiece and the most important archaeological site in South-East Asia. Located about six kilometres north of Siem Reap, south of Angkor Thom, this majestic structure is one of the largest religious monuments in the world. It contained a cluster of different capitals of the Khmer Empire from the 9th to the 15th century and included not only the famed Angkor Watt but also the Angkor Thom and the Bayon Temple.
It is known as the “Temple City” or “City of Temples” and was built by King Suryavarman II in the early half of the 12th century (113-5BC). This well-preserved temple was dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu, replicating the Angkor Thom style of art and has remained as a centre of worship since it’s origin in the 12th century.
Exploring Angkor Watt can be a mind-bending experience because what would appear as a colossal mass of stones from a distance with long causeway to the centre, on closer inspection, it forms a series of elevated towers, covered galleries, chambers, porches and courtyards all linked by stairways on different levels. To the first time visitor, the complexity of the structure can appear both an attraction and a distraction at the same time.
Angkor Watt enjoys the same status as the Pyramids of Giza and the Taj Mahal. Suffice to say it is Cambodia’s pride and joy and unlike other monuments, it has always been cared for and in continuous use since it was built.
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